Terry Barnes

This document outlines a series of consolidated recommendations for the Town of Malta's Comprehensive Plan Update. The recommendations cover key topic areas including Land Use & Zoning, Transportation, Parks & Recreation, Open Space & Natural Resources, Cultural and Community Resources, Infrastructure, Housing, Economic Development, and Community Services. The plan aims to guide future development, preserve natural resources, enhance community services, and promote sustainable growth through specific policy and zoning considerations.

The agenda for this meeting includes a presentation on the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Act (PRRIA) and recognition of the Resident of the Month. Key action items involve adopting a local law extending a moratorium, setting public hearings for amendments to the Town Zoning Law and Water Ordinance, and accepting 2026 Water Specifications and Standards. Further actions include authorizing the establishment of an escrow account for the Northway Eleven Community Center, submitting an application for a NYSDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant for pedestrian improvements, and declaring intent to act as the Lead Agency under SEQR for the PEDALS Project. The board is also scheduled to award the bid for the 2026 Townwide Refuse Collection Program, approve service agreements with the Capital Region Transportation Council (CRTC), accept proposals for additional repair services, approve an accounting software upgrade and the purchase of water meter reading equipment, approve appointments for Deputy Town Clerk and Building Maintenance Mechanic, and conduct budget transfers.

The Town Board meeting included two public hearings; one regarding a Local Law to amend the Zoning Law was adjourned due to a procedural error, and another concerning the extension of the moratorium imposed by Local Law No. 3 of 2025 to the Saratoga County Planning Board was closed. A presentation was given on the Malta Pedestrian Downtown Access Linkage System (PEDALS) Project, which involves pedestrian accommodations along Route 9. Residents raised concerns about the Water Department's billing procedures, late fees, and meter installation practices. Updates were provided on the ongoing ADA compliance improvements at the Malta Town Court Building and the status of the proposed NYS Police communication tower, noting that the initial site owner withdrew and the SEQR process is ongoing. The Board took action to provisionally appoint Floria Huizinga as the Building, Planning and Development Coordinator. Discussion items for the next meeting included extending the moratorium, declaring intent to act as lead agency for the PEDALS Project SEQR review, and reviewing updates to the Water Ordinance and 2026 specifications.

The Town Board addressed two primary action items. First, Resolution No. 75 involved setting a public hearing for a local law to amend the Town of Malta Zoning Law (Chapter 167 - Zoning), based on changes derived from the 2023 Comprehensive Plan update. This resolution also directed referral of the revised proposed zoning law to the Saratoga County Planning Board. Second, Resolution No. 76 concerned setting a public hearing and referring a local law to the Saratoga County Planning Board that would extend the moratorium on certain land use applications, which was previously imposed by Local Law No. 3 of 2025 and extended by Local Law No. 5 of 2025. Both public hearings were scheduled for February 23, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 4:04 PM.

The Town Board meeting addressed several action items, including authorizing a NYSDOT permit request for the Armed Forces Day Parade road closure on May 9, 2026. The board also voted on approving the formal name for the Town Park located at 149 Route 9P, recommending "Observation Pointe at Mangino's" to recognize the Mangino Family. Other key actions involved establishing summer pay rates and authorizing staff hires for Parks & Recreation, approving the appointment of a Deputy Receiver of Taxes, and approving the engagement with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., LLP for the 2026 Town Audit services. Additionally, the board authorized the Town Justice's attendance at the 2026 Association of Towns Conference and approved appointments to the 2026 Grants Committee and the 2026 Volunteer Firefighters Service Award Program Committee. Finally, the Supervisor was authorized to submit an application to NYSEG for streetlight installation at Longkill Road & Maple Forest Drive.